ST. LOUIS – Many believe The Fabulous Fox Theatre to be a gem in the Gateway City. That is true. However, the theatre has a twin—the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.
The development of both locations began with William Fox, a renowned businessman who created not just movie theaters in the 1920s but “motion picture palaces.” At one point, he had established 305 theaters across the nation, with 50 of those named after Fox himself.
There are claims that the nearly identical theatre in St. Louis is a copy of the one in Detroit. This is not true, but there is a reason for the rumor.
Contracts for the two theatres were signed at the same time in 1927, so there was always a plan to have them both designed the same way with their rich embellishments and elaborate decorations. When construction began for each, Detroit managed to finish theirs in September 1928. Meanwhile, an ongoing ironworker strike in St. Louis halted the process, leading to The Fabulous Fox being completed just a few months later, in January 1929.
Both locations look nearly the same, and if you look close enough while at St. Louis’ theatre, you can actually spot items that are numbered, which were there to match its location to the plans for both theatres.
While many wouldn’t be able to spot the difference in pictures between both theatres in St. Louis and Detroit, it’s the little things that experts, like Carl Vogt with The Fabulous Fox, can see that still make it stand out.
Vogt has been with The Fabulous Fox since 1982. He has seen changes in the theatre firsthand, shows come and go, and he’s even cleaned out the pipe chambers. While much looks the same, there are a few key differences between here and Detroit, according to Vogt.
Stage Size
The most considerably drastic contrast between the two theatres is that St. Louis holds a bigger stage than Detroit. The addition was made in the 1990s, and it has since allowed for more productions to visit The Fabulous Fox, such as “Lion King,” “Miss Saigon,” and “Phantom of the Opera.”
Due to this, Detroit has not been able to welcome these shows, along with others, due to its limit in stage sizing.
Seating
Have you ever noticed the leg room at The Fabulous Fox on the orchestra level? That is because officials made the decision to remove nine to 10 rows of seating after attendance levels were running low, which created space to have the seats recline more.
However, the mezzanine level highlights the original leg room before that removal. While there is more leg room for patrons attending an event at the Fox, the theatre in Detroit holds around 500 more guests.
Lighting
One of the most noticeable features between the theatres in St. Louis and Detroit is the lighting available for audiences when a show is not actively on stage.
So, if you’ve ever had to use your phone’s flashlight to view a program, that would be due to the fact that The Fabulous Fox has dimmer lighting than in Detroit, specifically where guests sit.
The Lobby
The first thing many visitors notice when walking into The Fabulous Fox is the grand pillars on both sides, lining the grand entry room. The Fox in Detroit holds two fewer pillars due to the theatre already having smaller dimensions.
The famous elephant carpet also greets guests arriving into St. Louis’ theatre, but a couple states north in Michigan, The Fox Theatre features marble flooring.
Additionally, the artwork above the entry doors displays different work between locations.
Although the beloved Fabulous Fox Theatre here in St. Louis may not be as unique as most believed it to be, it still holds priceless memories that it has brought to the area over the past 95 years.
And if you’re ever in Michigan and missing a piece of home, you’ll know where to find it.
